EuroWire March 2023

Technology News

On-line dimensional surface flaw detection in high-value products

technology, and it is significantly more accurate and capable than conventional inspection systems.” Traditionally, manufacturers have at tempted to use a variety of measurement techniques to detect flaws, but these pre sent problems such as the limited meas urement points per sensor, inability to measure the full contour of the product, presence of text and labels that create false positives, and blind spots that pre vent the detection of pits and slits in the surface. In some cases, these systems offer limited visualisation capabilities, making it diffi cult to verify what was detected. of individual measurement points around the contour of the product to reveal the smallest surface anomalies. It then produces a 3D point cloud image with informative, actionable flaw data that can be manipulated for further analysis. FlawSense digitises thousands

LaserLinc’s new FlawSense dimensional surface flaw detection system uses high speed laser line triangulation to perform 360° in-process inspection of wire, cable, pipe and tube products, regardless of product orientation in the measurement field. The manufacturer states that FlawSense precisely detects lumps, gels, pits, slits and other surface defects that cannot be identified by conventional laser micrometers, lump and neckdown detectors, and camera-based systems. Manufacturing personnel can review the defects later in 3D for deeper, immersive analysis. Chad Walker, product manager at La serLinc, said, “FlawSense is not a laser micrometer; it is not a camera or vision system; and it’s not a lump and neckdown detector, although it can perform the same functions as these technologies. “Instead, FlawSense is a high-perfor mance inspection system that uses the most advanced laser triangulation

FlawSense dimensional surface flaw detection system

down to five microns with a claimed ten-times-better resolution than camera based systems. LaserLinc also says that FlawSense provides more accurate measurements of product diameter and ovality than laser micrometers and camera vision technology. The system is suited to applications involving the measurement of high specification, high-value products, such as subterranean and undersea fibre optic cables; complex armoured cable; power cable; building wire; high-pressure hose for automobile and aerospace; and other demanding applications. LaserLinc www.laserlinc.com

FlawSense can detect surface defects

33

www.read-eurowire.com

March 2023